The Return of Former Hobbies To Today's Life!

Years ago, when I used to introduce myself to people, I felt as though I was a person with lots of interests, hobbies, unique experiences and well, simply interesting! Back in August of 2010, when I was asked to introduce myself to the faculty and share my hobbies outside of work, I panicked to know what say about myself because I realized in that moment, I wasn't doing ANY of my hobbies anymore...and hadn't for about 10 years! I think that part of my introduction went something like this: "Hobbies? I can change a diaper faster than anybody here, whip up a healthy dinner in under 30 minutes, and get 3 kids in 3 different places on time if needed!"

Fast forward. Christmas morning 2010. I was SHOCKED to see that Santa had brought both me and Dave skiis! I couldn't believe it! I used to LOVE skiing but hadn't skiied since my early 20s. But how on earth would we make time to go?

Well, we have! Dave has really committed us, purchasing year passes to Sundance so we can even go biking in the summer. We have been doing our date nights once a week up at Sundance for some night skiing. Moreover, both of us got to ski last week during the week. Dave went up a few times for a couple of hours, and me? Well, Friday was my day! I finished teaching a little after 12:00. Dave had sent me a text reminding me that he would pickup Alyssa and Austin at my normal time and to go and enjoy the afternoon. And I did!

Here are a few pictures of us from the past month:

A cold, winter day at Brighton Resort

Pre-goggle purchase photo of us at the top of the mountain.

Look how happy I look!
(If you could have seen me 5 minutes later, you would have seen a mascara-smeared face from the ice shooting in my eyes. Miserable!)

SUNDANCE RESORT

View from the top. Looking out at Utah County.

Time for some rough skiing!

It looked a bit icy, but I did it just fine.

Thanks, Dave, for the best Christmas gift in the world! I've love it!

Lunch at Siegfrieds with the German Club!

On Saturday, the kids and I drove to SLC for lunch with the German Club at Siegfrieds Delicatessen. It was scrumptious! Taylor loved her Bratwurst and Spaetze. I devoured my Wienerschnitzel too. We even splurged for some Black Forest Cherry Cake to share for dessert.

Guten Appetit!

Hmmm.....LECKER!

Alyssa's First Haircut!

For our daughters, the first haircut always causes a bit of stress for Dave and me. See, Dave believes in long hair. Period. On the other hand, I believe in trimmed hair, whether long or short, so it doesn't look stringy.

When I told Dave I felt it was time to trim Alyssa's hair, FIVE MONTHS AGO, he wasn't ready. So we've waited. Until last week! :) Lucky for us, Tiffany (Julie's daughter) knows hair and how to cut it cute, so she quickly trimmed up Alyssa's hair for me after work.

Alyssa was a hoot! She grinned most of the time for her mommy!

Hold still for the bangs, Lou Lou!

As the stringy ends started to fall off, we noticed that her little waves were curlier than both Tiff and I had thought!

Curls!

(Thanks Grandma Barbie! These curls probably come from you! Maybe "Jean" as a middle name was pure inspiration!)

And here she is!

All cute with her new "do"!

Time to go show daddy........

Popcorn Machine Madness

Grandma Barbie and Poppi gave us a popcorn maker for Christmas! Want to know what we think about it!

Four Thumbs Up!

The Story Behind Our Family Pictures

Our Children
December 2010

It's not much of a story, but I had to quickly post our family pictures taken in December of 2010 since this is what we all look like going into 2011!


First, one must understand that I have the hugest pet peeve about photographers in this area. So many ladies buy an expensive camera, invest in photoshop and call themselves "photographers" and feel they can immediately charge what the professionals do! A few years ago, one of my ward friends was telling me about her small photography business and flat out said that she charges a ridiculous amount and can get away with it since there are people who will pay her that! Perhaps what turned me off the most was the attitude.

So I was beyond grateful to find a super photographer who charged me a fraction of what others charge because she still feels new in the industry and wants the opportunity to improve her talents. "Bliss and Chaos" is her business name and since this business title could describe my family, I knew it could be a match for both of us!

And it was. It sooooo was!

I am so very pleased with the results! And who would have known? Our photo shoot was 45 minutes of cold and misery. By the end of the shoot, my entire front was covered in mud from Alyssa. Quietly, Dave requested to be photoshopped into the picture next year so he won't have to show up. Anyway, here we are!

THE CHILDREN

Just like any mother in the world, I never grow tired of looking at the faces of my children. They are just so beautiful to me!

I love how Austin is winking in this picture!

Another cute picture of the kids!

ALYSSA JEAN
This little miss is the heart of our home. Each one of the kids has a special relationship with her. I marvel at her smile, the curls that are coming in on her cute head and yes, her cheeks that have been kissed more than any baby's in the world!

Bright-eyed and so darling!!!
I wonder what she is thinking here?

I had so much fun dressing her for the pictures.

Climbing the rocks (the beginning future mud issues)

Alyssa has the funniest, cheesiest grin that she loves to flash! She was FULL of it about 10 minutes into the pictures. Here are some pictures of her that our photographer captured:

TAYLOR JAE
Taylor is growing up so fast now to us. She still loves her dolls, barbies and ponies but gets excited now about "tween-type things" like music, Prince William, clothes and jewelry. Taylor informed me tonight that she wants to be a chef or a care-taker for little animals when she is older. I love teaching her how to cook and help around the house. Tae Bug is a sweetheart and we just couldn't imagine life without our little musical diva!

JAXSON DAVID
Jaxson is the saviest, most exploritory and silliest kid on the block! There is no doubt he has street smarts! He loves to walk around bare foot, ride his bike or scooter, play ANYWHERE but home and find where I hide things. He is my go-t0 kid for any task I need help with. Jaxson is also so brave. While at Disneyland and Sea World a few months ago, he went on every ride he could, no matter how scary! We love our Jaxson so much!

I love his little freckles on his nose and cheeks!

Ahhhh, melt his mama's heart!

AUSTIN LEE
Austin is the cutest little 4 year old in the world to us! He is ambitious as they come! Austin truly desires to be the smartest student in his class and the best athlete. His focus and drive are unmatched. He loves his family, playing with friends, Star Wars, swords and anything LOUD!

Here are some pictures of Dave and the boys. Dave always makes a point to have a few of these taken. Too cute!

(This picture what designed by Jaxson who chose the place and what they were doing. It cracks us up!)

Taylor and her daddy

Here we are: 11 years and counting! So blessed to have found each other! Dave and I are really different yet we have some great commonalities, strengths and weaknesses which compliment each other. We have so much fun together. I LOVE being with him!

Me and my girls! I love having daughters! I imagine us doing so many things together as the girls get older like my mom used to do with us!

New Word for 2011!

I think I knew half way through the 2010 year what my new word for 2011 would be.

It is a word that I NEED to have in my life more.

It is a word that can lead me to achieve my own goals, aspirations.

Additionally, it is a word that can empower my family to develop themselves to the fullest in every area of their lives.

My word to live by this 2011 year?

CONSISTENCY

This is my word. And it is the perfect word for me this year. Why?

I think that lack of consistency keeps me from becoming my best self and leading my family to achieve their greatest potential. Seriously!

How often do we decide to read scriptures daily or to be more service-oriented?

How often do we decide to live a healthier life style or to exercise on a regular basis?

How often do people decide to save more money or to spend less?

And why do we as people fail?

LACK OF CONSISTENCY

In most cases, lack of consistency.

As I have reflected on my life, I realize that the things I am consistent with are my strengths or have been goals I have achieved and the areas of my life where I desire different results are the areas where I struggle with consistency.

CONSISTENCY

This year, I want the word "consistency" to be in the back of my mind with everything I do. When I choose to dedicate my time to something I see as valuable, "consistency" will be the factor that brings about the results.

CONSISTENCY

That is my word for 2011.